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Undergraduate Program

Why study history? When students ask this question, there are usually at least two other questions implied:
"How can it help me make a living?" and "How can history make me a better person?"
The answer to the first question is that history is a very broad subject including
everything that has happened in the past. Because of its breadth, the study of history
prepares a person for a considerable number of occupations and professions. In fact,
the career possibilities are infinite (see the careers page). The second question
is even more important, since making a living is only part of one's life. History
is the collective experience of mankind. It provides perspective and knowledge which
helps us understand the present and it presents a hope that we may avoid mistakes
made in the past. As the most wide-ranging of all academic disciplines, history helps
satisfy the curious mind which is not content with the present, but must query the
past and attempt to peer into the future. History teaches us to collect, analyze and
use evidence; such a trained mind is the most practical tool available to the human
race.

The History Department offers a variety of programs for students interested in studying,
researching or learning how to teach the past. In addition to the traditional undergraduate
History Major, students may adopt a program of study which includes a History Minor
or may choose to pursue a Social Studies Major with an emphasis in History. The faculty
also offer specialized Honors courses for advanced undergraduate majors in History.
Off-campus students may pursue any of these degrees by taking advantage of Interactive
Television course offerings.

Information for potential majors and answers to frequently asked questions about the
major, minor and social studies programs can be found below.

Declaring a Major: The principal advisor for the undergraduate program is Dr. Richard Weigel, who counsels
students about their studies, signs degree programs and coordinates course offerings.
Those interested in the program or with specific questions should contact him directly. You may sign up for an appointment with him in the department office or
by calling during regular business hours at 745-3841.